"When you’re looking for tapas in the South End, everyone - including us, your friends, your mom, and your mom’s boyfriend Ken who calls you “sport” and still asks what you’re majoring in even though you’re 27 years old - is going to send you to Toro. And Toro is phenomenal. But when you can’t get a table (because Ken sends everyone there) make Barcelona your more than acceptable Plan B. The menu here is fairly standard tapas, and while nothing is so outstanding that you’ll consider writing love notes to it the next day, it’s all good to very good. The space is lively but dark and intimate, making it great for dates. And if you don’t know where to start (besides with wine, because it has a great old world list), go with the chorizo and figs." - dan secatore
